Albanese, Japan's PM and melons: Behind the revived row over podcast remark

An opinion piece published in The Australian alleges that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a joke about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's chest during a podcast interview. The alleged comment comes after Opposition leader Angus Taylor demanded Albanese apologize for his remarks regarding the two crown melons Takaichi gifted him during her May visit to Australia.

Former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami criticized the remarks, saying they failed to acknowledge the cultural significance of the melons, which are highly prized in Japan, and potentially undermined Australia's close ties with Japan. Yamagami also mentioned Takaichi's status as Japan's first female prime minister, who had faced gender-based insults in the past.

The Lowy Institute director of research, Mihai Sora, stated that the melon saga has not seriously endangered the bilateral relationship between the two countries. However, Albanese's appearance on the podcast sparked renewed controversy after Yamagami's commentary was published in The Australian. Another opinion piece by the Japan Times, which was later republished by The Australian, accused Albanese of sexism over the incident.

Sora believes that the Japanese are embarrassed and offended by the remarks, but the criticism may be exaggerated. The Opposition and Yamagami have called on Albanese to personally apologize, while the prime minister's spokesperson dismissed the allegations as incorrect.